Update on Los Angeles Area Wildfires
As wildfires continue to devastate the greater Los Angeles area, we want to acknowledge the challenges and grief that those communities are facing. So far, at least 27 lives have been lost, over 60 square miles of land area have been scorched, with more than 12,000 buildings destroyed and countless people displaced. Containment efforts, led by firefighters and emergency responders, are still underway. The path to recovery and rebuilding will be long.
In these difficult times, the strength and dedication of building safety officials are more important than ever.
For Those Affected:
Our hearts are with you. We remind you of the importance of prioritizing your safety by following guidance from emergency management professionals. Stay informed, remain vigilant and, if advised, evacuate to protect yourself and your loved ones. We recognize that many local building departments will face increased demand for resources and will encounter a myriad of challenges as they support their communities.
To that end, the Code Council stands with our California members and chapters to assist with requests for resources to support post-disaster building safety assessments, supplemental staffing and other needs that may arise.
If you have questions or need assistance, Karyn Beebe, Code Council Regional Manager, Government Relations, for the state of California, and Karl Fippinger, the Code Council’s Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation, are at your service and ready to help.
How You Can Help:
To stay informed on current recovery efforts please visit CALBO’s Wildfire Recovery Hub.
The Code Council urges code officials to coordinate all offers and requests for assistance through local emergency management. Please DO NOT self-dispatch or respond without an official request or activation order from local and state emergency management. Building official mutual aid is being coordinated by local emergency management through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) and the CAL OES Safety Assessment Program (SAP), with support from other state authorities, the California Building Officials (CALBO) and the California Fire Prevention Officers (CAL FPOs).
The Code Council has donated to the American Red Cross to support the current recovery efforts. For those seeking ways to support recovery efforts, the following organizations are working directly with affected communities:
- American Red Cross of Southern California Region
- Pasadena Humane Society
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Fund
- World Central Kitchen
- California Teachers Association Wildfire Relief Fund
- L.A. County Wildfire Recovery Resources
In times like these, we find our greatest strength in coming together. Whether you’ve been affected directly or are looking to help, remember that you are not alone - the Code Council is here for you.